Bears Face Quarterback Challenges with Injuries

The Chicago Bears are dealing with quarterback concerns. Their starting quarterback, Caleb Williams, suffered a hamstring injury. Williams will miss some playing time, although it is not as severe as initially feared.

Bears fans might not see the usual backup, Tyson Bagent, in Week 3. Bagent is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol, creating uncertainty about his availability for the ‘Monday Night Football’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This has forced the team to consider alternatives.

Bagent played in the last moments of the Bears’ 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He replaced Williams after his injury and got sacked on the final play of the game. It is unclear when Bagent suffered his concussion, though it might have occurred during that last play.

Bagent joined the Bears as an undrafted rookie in 2023. He has been the team’s backup since Williams was drafted first overall in 2024. Bagent has yet to start a game, as Williams played the entire past two seasons. Bagent completed 5 of 9 passes for 54 yards in the recent game.

Head coach Ben Johnson has not ruled out Williams entirely. He described Williams as ‘week-to-week.’ Johnson commented, ‘He’s working through every avenue to get back on track here.’

Tyson Bagent of the Chicago Bears passes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter at Soldier Field on Sept. 20, 2026. (Getty Images)

Given the circumstances, veteran quarterback Case Keenum might step in. If called upon, Keenum would make his first NFL start since 2023. He went 1-1 with the Houston Texans that year. Keenum has played for seven other teams in his NFL career.

If Bagent cannot play, Keenum’s experience might prove critical for the team. He has 66 starts in 80 NFL games. Keenum’s last games were with the Cleveland Browns, where he had a 2-0 record in 2021.